The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has been made aware that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating an outbreak of clinically compatible mumps in persons affiliated with the National Hockey League (NHL) - affecting the U.S. and Canada. As of 02/02/2015, NJDOH is aware of three players on the New Jersey Devils diagnosed with mumps and worked with the involved local health departments within NJ to manage the exposures. Three additional New Jersey Devils' players were reported in the news to have been diagnosed with mumps - two have been unable to be investigated and one does not reside in NJ.

As of 02/02/2015, 36 cases of mumps have been identified by CDC as associated with eight teams and officials from the NHL and the American Hockey League (AHL). Parotitis onset dates span from 10/19/2014 through 01/14/2015.

Outbreaks can still occur in highly vaccinated U.S. communities, particularly in close-contact settings. In recent years, outbreaks have occurred in schools, colleges, and camps. However, high vaccination coverage helps limit the size, duration, and spread of mumps outbreaks.